By Julie DeLong, A-1 Freeman Moving Group
Remember when you were a youngster and the most excellent day ever was when the Sears Wish Book arrived in the mailbox? Okay, in case you are too young to have that marvelous remembrance, the Wish Book was a Christmas catalog, which included a glorious, perfectly illuminated tree on the cover, and pages and pages of playthings, and bikes, and dollhouses--and coordinating pj's for the family. That catalog cover was an inspiration for a exceptional Christmas for scores of children who are Amazon-savvy grown ups today, and be honest, you sort of miss the fun of opening that Wish Book and finding that year's Barbie Dream House on the inside cover.That's the thing regarding traditions--they inevitably phase out, and something new takes the place of the old. Sometimes they arrive at a normal and organic ending--the coordinating PJs come to mind--but other times, a tradition stops too suddenly, causing you to be stranded in an emotional void. This is a frequent happening when you've moved to Little Rock and are encountering that initial holiday season in a new location, without your "this is what we always do" safety net to traverse the season. Oh, you did not genuinely like visiting your Auntie Myrtle's for dry turkey for Thanksgiving? As well as those previous neighbors whose notion of decorating was a lawn (and roof) packed with inflatables?? Okay, it is time to let go and start a few new traditions--ones that you and your family like to do.
Friendsgiving
This really is a millennial idea that's caught on across generational splits (some millennials have youngsters in high school these days), being a group who's on the move and so spending the holidays away from their own home and family. Ask some new friends--neighbors, co-workers, kid's friends families--over for a Friendsgiving dinner. You supply the turkey, or tenderloin, or the chopsticks (you are busting out--feel free to order in Chinese) and everybody brings a side or a dessert. Do not think you have to invite countless, ask as few or as many as you want.
Volunteer
There are many volunteer choices during the holidays, and you can go it alone, or as a family unit. Churches, YMCAs, and coffee boutiques are a superb resource for identifying possibilities, covering anything from helping out in a soup kitchen to supplying holiday food items and presents and wrapping gifts for little ones.
Go to an Event
Astonishing as it can be to comprehend, there's a lot more to holiday excitement than just one more amateur performance of the Nutcracker. There are holiday concerts, tree lightings, plays, as well as religious activities. Lots of small towns host light extravaganzas--find out if there is one near you. A few towns in the South have outdoor ice-skating rinks throughout the holidays--indeed, you might be dressed in shorts, but do bring gloves because it is a bit chilly out there on the ice.
Movie Night
Most of us grew up with the Grinch, and those awesome Rankin-Bass movies--who can ever forget the Burgermeister Meisterburger? Include a weekly movie evening throughout the holidays and revisit the old "Miracle on 34th Street" one week, and "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" or "Christmas With the Kranks" the following.
Plan A Vacation
Should you be simply not feeling the holiday season this year, and you might coordinate it financially, plan a trip. It is not too late to reserve a trip somewhere toasty and exotic, however if that is not in the finances visit somewhere close by. If you can easily make it happen, New York reaches its best over the holidays--the big tree at Rockefeller Center goes up ahead of Thanksgiving, and the holiday shop windows down 5th and Madison Avenues are virtually worth the trip.
Remain Connected
The online world makes it so simple to remain plugged in with old close friends and family when you're moving a long distance away--it's bittersweet, for sure, yet inevitably more sweet than bitter. You can share your festivities immediately or browse through pictures more relaxed in the future. No matter what, keep positive--New Year's is just a week away after which it is all over until next year.
Request a free quote
